Accommodations here run the gamut from motels and B&Bs to world-class luxury retreats, and all are accessible from the main highway. While I recommend the more romantically pastoral areas such as St. Helena, you're definitely going to find better deals in the towns of Napa or laid-back Calistoga.
Keep in mind that during high season -- between June and November -- most hotels charge peak rates and sell out on weekends; many have a 2-night minimum. If you need help organizing your Wine Country vacation, contact one of the following companies: Accommodation Bed & Breakfast Inns of Napa Valley (tel. 707/944-4444; www.bbinv.com), an association of B&Bs, provides descriptions and lets you know who has vacancies. Napa Valley Reservations Unlimited (tel. 800/251-NAPA or 707/252-1985; www.napavalleyreservations.com) is also a source for booking everything from balloon rides to wine-tasting tours. Also, consider the 272-room Napa Valley Marriott, 3425 Solano Ave., Napa, CA 94558 (tel. 800/228-9290 or 707/253-8600; www.marriott.com), which has an exercise room, a heated outdoor pool and spa, and two restaurants; rates range from $129 to $329 for rooms, $350 to $500 for suites.
Inexpensive -- Napa Valley Railway Inn, 6503 Washington St., Yountville, adjacent to the Vintage 1870 shopping complex (tel. 707/944-2000) rents private railway cars converted into adorable hotel rooms.
